HHello! Last year I focused on improving storage and style throughout the house. I’ve always appreciated cabinets and dressers—not to accumulate more things, but to simplify life by keeping everyday items organized and easy to find. I had some pieces already, but I wanted to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and make thoughtful updates where needed.
While I frequently search thrift and secondhand stores, I don’t always find the right fit. Often a piece is the wrong size or depth, and I’m picky about hardware and how smoothly drawers open—little frustrations add up, and I try to avoid adding those to my home. New additions need to be purposeful, attractive, and functional.
After a long search for a nightstand/dresser that fit our bedroom, I found a piece on Joss & Main that met our size needs and had a pattern and gold finish I loved. I used credits I had, so the timing was perfect. It was a gamble, but I hoped it would be as lovely in person as it looked online.
It delivered. The piece was very heavy, which delayed getting it upstairs, but once it was in place I was thrilled. The drawers are shallow and don’t open far, yet they serve our needs well. The finish complements the room and brought the exact mix of style and function I wanted.
The gold on the new dresser echoes the gold on an antique chinoiserie cabinet mounted on the opposite wall. That cabinet originally lived in our entry and living room but found a home upstairs. It’s a family heirloom my grandparents brought back from Thailand, and having it in the bedroom adds both warmth and memories.
I haven’t settled on a permanent piece for the left side of the bed, but a small console works for now. I originally painted it a solid color, then added subtle gold detailing using Rub n’ Buff to elevate its look and tie it into the rest of the room.
Throughout the year I tackled small corners with a focus on combining style and function. I started calling it “The Year of the Cabinet.” I didn’t accomplish every goal I’d imagined, but I also hadn’t planned to write three books in a year, which shifted priorities. Even so, the improvements felt productive and meaningful.
You might wonder how I keep a white duvet with two dogs in the house. The duvet stays folded across the room when the dogs are likely to be muddy. During the day we use an easily washable blanket to avoid accidents and extra laundry—practical habits help maintain the look without stress.
How did your home goals go last year? Even a slow year can lead to thoughtful changes, and a new year is a good time to set a few focused goals. A simple worksheet can help you identify priorities for the coming months. I’ll be sharing my plans for the new year soon and would love to hear what you’re planning, too.
Sources:
(Some items are affiliate links or were purchased previously and may be sold out.)
Paint colors can be found on the original source.
Gold dresser/nightstand – Grace Chest
Duvet cover
Cable knit throw blanket
Bedside lamps – HomeGoods
Mirror above bed – HomeGoods
Curtains – Slate green velvet (may be sold out)
Navy euro shams – Anthropologie
Euro shams (front) – Williams Sonoma
Sweater pillow – West Elm (similar available)
Long pillow – made from an antique grain sack
Love sign